We’ve recieved 2023 Colorado Springs Candidate Responses
Bike Colorado Springs has recieved our first wave of responses from our 2023 Candidate Survey. We will be reaching out to the candidates we haven’t yet recieved 2023 Colorado Springs candidate responses from.
UPDATED MARCH 13TH – with a response from Sallie Clark for Mayor, March 10th with a responses from Wayne Williams for Mayor, Yemi Modolade for Mayor, David Leinweber for At-Large and Scott Hiller for District 3 City Council. March 8th we recieved responses from Tom Strand for Mayor and Michelle Talarico for District 3 City Council
We have committed to publishing responses recieved through March 10th, this page will be updated as responses are recieved.
As of Friday March 10th, responses have been recieved from seven of the twelve candidates for Mayor listed below:
Lawrence Joseph Martinez
Longinos Gonzalez Jr.
Andrew Dalby
Darryl Glenn
Tom Strand – Added 3-8
Wayne Williams – Added 3-10
Yemi Mobolade – Added 3-10
Sallie Clark – Added 3-13
As of Friday March 10th, we have also recieved responses from three of the eleven candidates for City Council at large listed below:
Jaymen Johnson
Glenn Carlson
David Leinweber
As of March 10th, we have recieved responses from both of the candidates for the District 3 City Council seat listed below:
Michelle Renee Talarico
Scott Hiller
2023 Colorado Springs Candidate Responses – Mayor
Responses listed in the order they were recieved
Andrew Dalby – Mayor
Do you support ballot issue 1, the TOPS extension? Why or why not?
Yes. The only three legitimate functions of city government are Public Safety, Public Works, and Public Parks. We live in Colorado for a reason, and I support parks and open space for everyone. However, I defer to the citizens on the level of funding they want to provide.
How will you support policies that assist Colorado Springs residents who want to or must bike, walk, use micro-mobility (E-scooters, E-skateboards, etc…) and take transit as transportation?
I commuted by bike for several years. We need to have safe, well maintained bike routes for our citizens throughout the city to allow people of all ages and financial situations to use multi-modal transport for recreation as well as their essential transport needs.
Will you support improvements to transportation infrastructure that make walking, biking, and transit safe and convenient for Colorado Springs residents, families, and seniors?
Yes, I believe that safe and effective multi-modal transportation is better for the environment, the individual’s health and pocketbook, and the community. Our current system of stroads based unsafe transportation options a waste of money and go unused.
Our off-street urban trail network is the backbone of our non-motorized transportation system. Today many residents are discouraged from using our urban trails due to people living on this critical resource. How will you address the impacts of homelessness, specifically on our urban trail network?
I would not feel safe riding the route I did years ago due to these issues. Homelessness rendering our park system unusable is a huge quality of life issue and needs to be addressed. Those who enable antisocial, unhealthy behaviors among our disadvantaged are not helping anyone
The 2014 Colorado Springs parks system master plan called for the construction of a world class bike park. The Pikeview quarry site in northwest Colorado Springs has been identified as a possible location for such a bike park. Once the state’s requirements for reclamation of this site are completed, will you support acceptance of the donation of the property and support the current plan to transform the property into a world class bike park?
I lived next to the quarry for 15 years, and rode my bike through the neighborhood surrounding it frequently. There are a lot of cyclists that enjoy the area and a bike park in the reclaimed quarry would be a phenomenal addition to the outdoor activities our city offers.
What is your vision for the future of transportation in Colorado Springs?
Low density means most residents continue to commute in private cars. Great bike paths and a clean, safe, interconnected park network allow walking and biking for recreation and transport. Maybe a self-funded high-frequency trolley system servicing high-density neighborhoods.
Lawrence Martinez – Mayor
Do you support ballot issue 1, the TOPS extension? Why or why not?
yes
How will you support policies that assist Colorado Springs residents who want to or must bike, walk, use micro-mobility (E-scooters, E-skateboards, etc…) and take transit as transportation?
Renew interest in public transportation take a look where we need to provide better transportation lanes so access can be given to non motor transportation.
Will you support improvements to transportation infrastructure that make walking, biking, and transit safe and convenient for Colorado Springs residents, families, and seniors?
yes
Our off-street urban trail network is the backbone of our non-motorized transportation system. Today many residents are discouraged from using our urban trails due to people living on this critical resource. How will you address the impacts of homelessness, specifically on our urban trail network?
No over night stays, better police interaction with the homeless, redirect them to shelters
increase fines.
The 2014 Colorado Springs parks system master plan called for the construction of a world class bike park. The Pikeview quarry site in northwest Colorado Springs has been identified as a possible location for such a bike park. Once the state’s requirements for reclamation of this site are completed, will you support acceptance of the donation of the property and support the current plan to transform the property into a world class bike park?
Yes I would support this endowment. As we grow we must add new attractions to our city this plan would bring us closer to attaining this.
What is your vision for the future of transportation in Colorado Springs?
Rail, improved bus transportation extend bus hours especially in the summer so as to give more choices to our residents.
Is there anything else you would like Bike Colorado Springs to know about your positions or candidacy?
We must all work together so as to improve quality of life for all who live and work in our growing city. we must allow leadership to come from different aspects of our community we must not allow lifetime politicians to over shadow each political race.
Longinos Gonzalez Jr – Mayor
Do you support ballot issue 1, the TOPS extension? Why or why not?
Yes. TOPS has been a valuable tool and the issues related to its opposition by residents last year appear to have been addressed and corrected.
How will you support policies that assist Colorado Springs residents who want to or must bike, walk, use micro-mobility (E-scooters, E-skateboards, etc…) and take transit as transportation?
I believe our city park trails and loop connections need to be completed and will support funding to do so.
Will you support improvements to transportation infrastructure that make walking, biking, and transit safe and convenient for Colorado Springs residents, families, and seniors?
Yes, improving our roads, trails and infrastructure, and the safety of our residents are priorities of mine.
Our off-street urban trail network is the backbone of our non-motorized transportation system. Today many residents are discouraged from using our urban trails due to people living on this critical resource. How will you address the impacts of homelessness, specifically on our urban trail network?
I will enforce our laws, clean up camps and increase the safety of our residents who utilize these trail networks. I will also work with our partner government and nonprofit organization to match services for our homeless population and get them the help they need.
The 2014 Colorado Springs parks system master plan called for the construction of a world class bike park. The Pikeview quarry site in northwest Colorado Springs has been identified as a possible location for such a bike park. Once the state’s requirements for reclamation of this site are completed, will you support acceptance of the donation of the property and support the current plan to transform the property into a world class bike park?
Yes.
What is your vision for the future of transportation in Colorado Springs?
As a County Commissioner I’ve prioritized roads and infrastructure and efficient transportation, and will continue that prioritization as mayor. As a member of the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority, I have worked to improve the city’s transit efficiency.
Is there anything else you would like Bike Colorado Springs to know about your positions or candidacy?
I hike and bike locally and moved back to Colorado Springs after I retired from the AF because of my love of the Pikes Peak region and our outdoors. I have been a great supporter of our outdoor activities and its associated tourism and business opportunities.
Darryl Glenn – Mayor
Do you support ballot issue 1, the TOPS extension? Why or why not?
No. I support the TOPS program. I do not support a 20-year extension. I do not believe that committing to a 20-year tax extension in this economic climate is fiscally responsible. I would support a shorter extension until 2031.
How will you support policies that assist Colorado Springs residents who want to or must bike, walk, use micro-mobility (E-scooters, E-skateboards, etc…) and take transit as transportation?
I will implement a more balanced infrastructure improvement plan for our streets, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and parks. Our older neighborhoods will be elevated to the same standard as our newer developments.
Will you support improvements to transportation infrastructure that make walking, biking, and transit safe and convenient for Colorado Springs residents, families, and seniors?
Same. I will implement a more balanced infrastructure improvement plan for our streets, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and parks. Our older neighborhoods will be elevated to the same standard as our newer developments.
Our off-street urban trail network is the backbone of our non-motorized transportation system. Today many residents are discouraged from using our urban trails due to people living on this critical resource. How will you address the impacts of homelessness, specifically on our urban trail network?
I will establish specialized public safety teams that are responsible for responding to our homeless population and that serve as liaisons to our community partners.
The 2014 Colorado Springs parks system master plan called for the construction of a world class bike park. The Pikeview quarry site in northwest Colorado Springs has been identified as a possible location for such a bike park. Once the state’s requirements for reclamation of this site are completed, will you support acceptance of the donation of the property and support the current plan to transform the property into a world class bike park?
TBD. I need to read the contract and evaluate this request against other strategic funding requirements.
What is your vision for the future of transportation in Colorado Springs?
Our city covers over 200 square miles. My focus will be on maintaining the reliability of our current transportation network, filling all the potholes, and fixing the decaying infrastructure.
Is there anything else you would like Bike Colorado Springs to know about your positions or candidacy?
My top priority is fixing our growing crime problem. My goal is to make Colorado Springs the safest city in the nation.
Tom Strand – Mayor
Do you support ballot issue 1, the TOPS extension? Why or why not?
Absolutely I support this 20 year extension. No increase in taxes, .01 per $10. 75% of the funds used for purchase of open space. A great deal fir our citizens.
How will you support policies that assist Colorado Springs residents who want to or must bike, walk, use micro-mobility (E-scooters, E-skateboards, etc…) and take transit as transportation?
Former TOSC Treasurer, Board of Directors. As an At Large City Council Member, I supported every multi-mobile ordinance, including 159 ConnectCOS proposals (except the Construction Ave). Voted to approve our scooter lease. Used Bus transit, and recommended restroom improvements.
Will you support improvements to transportation infrastructure that make walking, biking, and transit safe and convenient for Colorado Springs residents, families, and seniors?
Yes, I will . We need more and improved options, other than motor vehicles, for safe pedestrian and cycling mobility. This is extremely important for disabled and senior citizens, as well as our youth. I would support a 10% annual increase in the 2023 Budget.
Our off-street urban trail network is the backbone of our non-motorized transportation system. Today many residents are discouraged from using our urban trails due to people living on this critical resource. How will you address the impacts of homelessness, specifically on our urban trail network?
We need to enforce our Ordinance prohibiting camping along our streams and creeks . We need to increase our CSPD Homeless Outreach Team from 10 Officers to 20, and have them petrol our urban trails and parks on bicycles to ensure safe passage and public usage.
The 2014 Colorado Springs parks system master plan called for the construction of a world class bike park. The Pikeview quarry site in northwest Colorado Springs has been identified as a possible location for such a bike park. Once the state’s requirements for reclamation of this site are completed, will you support acceptance of the donation of the property and support the current plan to transform the property into a world class bike park?
Yes, absolutely. I am aware of the 2014 Parks Master Plan, and the proposal to use the Pike view Quarry as a Bike Park . I would encourage the City acceptance of this donated property and partner to find public/ private funding to transform this into a world class park
What is your vision for the future of transportation in Colorado Springs?
Future of transportation in CS is extremely bright. A new multi story Transit Center behind the current City Auditorium on Weber. More public Transportation, including a rail system from Pueblo to Denver. More designated bike lanes, more bus routes with increased frequency.
Is there anything else you would like Bike Colorado Springs to know about your positions or candidacy?
I’m a senior, and a biker. I believe there is a place for all our citizens to share the roads and streets and to truly become a “ Gold Level “ multi modal transportation community
Wayne Williams – Mayor
Do you support ballot issue 1, the TOPS extension? Why or why not?
Yes. I lobbied to place Issue 1 on the agenda and then advocated and voted to submit it to the voters. I also voted to place the prior extension on the ballot and served on the YES for Trails, Open Space and Parks Committee where I helped strategize and raised money for the campaign. TOPS funding plays an important role in the acquisition, development, and maintenance of our parks, trails and open space.
How will you support policies that assist Colorado Springs residents who want to or must bike, walk, use micro-mobility (E-scooters, E-skateboards, etc…) and take transit as transportation?
In addition to TOPS, I have referred other ballot measures, including creating the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority when I was a county commissioner. While serving as a city councilman I was selected once again to serve as a PPRTA director, where I championed referring PPRTA-3 to the ballot last year. As with past PPRTA ballot issues, PPRTA-3 provides significant trail improvements (Midland, Fillmore, Foothills, Homestead, Palmer-Mesa, Pikes Peak Greenway, Rock Island, Shooks Run, Sinton, and Templeton Gap) as well as a Ute Pass Avenue pedestrian bridge and funding for on-street bikeways and sidewalk infill. As a member of city council, I also supported establishing the city’s e-scooter pilot program.
Will you support improvements to transportation infrastructure that make walking, biking, and transit safe and convenient for Colorado Springs residents, families, and seniors?
Yes. In addition to the sidewalk, trail, and on-street bikeway improvements, the structure of the PPRTA we created allocates 10% to transit, which provides $15 million per year. This funding allowed evening and weekend service and addressed other needs. PPRTA-3 also includes three transit capital projects.
Our off-street urban trail network is the backbone of our non-motorized transportation system. Today many residents are discouraged from using our urban trails due to people living on this critical resource. How will you address the impacts of homelessness, specifically on our urban trail network?
Colorado Springs is one of the few large cities in America where the number of unhoused have been reduced. We must compassionately address the root causes of homelessness by working with non-profit partners like Springs Rescue Mission, Catholic Charities, and the Salvation Army to provide assistance, education and treatment options for those experiencing drug addiction and/or mental illness.
For our community’s health and safety, we must enforce city ordinances that prohibit blocking public right-of-ways and camping on, and potentially contaminating, our public spaces, trails and waterways. We worked to ensure our ability to enforce these rules by having sufficient beds available. We also need to expand our Homeless Outreach Team and Alternate Response Teams to meet the needs of our community.
The 2014 Colorado Springs parks system master plan called for the construction of a world class bike park. The Pikeview quarry site in northwest Colorado Springs has been identified as a possible location for such a bike park. Once the state’s requirements for reclamation of this site are completed, will you support acceptance of the donation of the property and support the current plan to transform the property into a world class bike park?
Yes. As a member of City Council, I approved the purchase of the Pikeview quarry site (and nearby land) with the specific intent of creating a world class bike park.
What is your vision for the future of transportation in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs residents should multiple transportation choices so that each can choose what is best for their needs and desires. As mayor, I will ensure that Colorado Springs has a transportation infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing city. Any new growth must be accompanied by enough infrastructure to sustain it.
Yemi Mobolade – Mayor
Do you support ballot issue 1, the TOPS extension? Why or why not?
Our open spaces, trails, and parks are arguably some of the most beautiful in the country. The beauty of our natural scenery inspired the founder of our city, General William Jackson Palmer, 151 years ago to envision and create a great city. We must ensure Colorado Springs families today, as well as future generations, have access to well-maintained and safe parks. Therefore, I support Issue 1 on the April 4th ballot to extend the TOPS sales and use tax for another 20 years, without raising taxes.
How will you support policies that assist Colorado Springs residents who want to or must bike, walk, use micro-mobility (E-scooters, E-skateboards, etc…) and take transit as transportation?
While Colorado Springs is a car-dependent city, there is increasing demand for public transportation to help meet the needs and demands of our growing community. Colorado Springs is predicted to overtake Denver as the state’s largest city by 2050 and the population of the Pikes Peak region is expected to be just over one million people in 2045, approximately 50% more than in 2015. The expected growth will produce demand for new travel and public transit options. We already have a transportation shortage, disproportionately affecting low-income households, seniors, residents with disabilities, as well as Millennials and Generation Z residents who choose not to own a vehicle.
ConnectCOS, the city’s new long-term transportation plan, outlines strategies to meet the city’s growing and future transportation needs. The plan recommends about 160 projects, ranging from constructing and improving roads and sidewalks, to building trails, bike routes, mobility hubs, and transit facilities. This new plan will increase access and make it easier to get around the city. As mayor, I will champion the implementation of the plan with ongoing stakeholder input and ensure the plan remains flexible to adapt to future changes.
Will you support improvements to transportation infrastructure that make walking, biking, and transit safe and convenient for Colorado Springs residents, families, and seniors?
A strong city transit network supports all residents and their needs for transportation. The new ConnectCOS plan proposes dozens of sidewalk, trail, and bike projects, and the Bike Master Plan promotes bicycling as one of many necessary transportation options. As the city grows, it is imperative that we pursue multi-modal transportation to include the strengthening of our sidewalk infrastructure to make walking an attractive option, and the improvement of our cycling infrastructure to include new bike lanes and enhance bike parking infrastructure. Over the last 7 years, the city has been gradually making improvements to its transportation infrastructure, including promoting bicycles as an alternative to cars, as evidenced by the new bike lanes, e-bikes, and bike trails. As mayor, I will support our various mobility enhancement efforts to ensure safety and convenience of travel within Colorado Springs.
Our off-street urban trail network is the backbone of our non-motorized transportation system. Today many residents are discouraged from using our urban trails due to people living on this critical resource. How will you address the impacts of homelessness, specifically on our urban trail network?
The Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) has been compassionately serving residents experiencing homelessness by providing information and referrals for food, shelter, housing, and other services. The Homeless Outreach Program (HOP) team members are trained behavioral health providers offering mental health treatment and connection to community agencies. I will expand both of these critical city services to address vagrancy and encampments along our urban trail network and ensure our public trails are safe and welcoming for residents.
The 2014 Colorado Springs parks system master plan called for the construction of a world class bike park. The Pikeview quarry site in northwest Colorado Springs has been identified as a possible location for such a bike park. Once the state’s requirements for reclamation of this site are completed, will you support acceptance of the donation of the property and support the current plan to transform the property into a world class bike park?
Colorado Springs is an active city where outdoor recreation is part of our lifestyle. The Pikeview Quarry site presents a tremendous opportunity for a world-class bike park, to include “mountain, downhill and slopestyle tracks, a BMX and pump track, a youth learning area, flow trails, a cyclocross course and a bike polo field.” If and when the state’s
requirement for reclamation of this site is completed, the cost of maintaining the park remains a problem to be solved. I will support the continued efforts to resolve the property’s outstanding issues and help make this vision a reality.
What is your vision for the future of transportation in Colorado Springs?
Yes. Within the first 90 days of taking office, I plan to engage key community stakeholders such as Bike Colorado Springs and Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates to better understand the challenges and opportunities with our city’s current transportation options, and to deepen the relationship between the mayor’s office and key community partners.
Is there anything else you would like Bike Colorado Springs to know about your positions or candidacy?
My overall vision for Colorado Springs is an inclusive, culturally rich, economically prosperous, safe, and vibrant city on a hill that shines brightly. I will be a Mayor for ALL Colorado Springs residents.
Sallie Clark – Mayor
Do you support ballot issue 1, the TOPS extension? Why or why not?
Yes
How will you support policies that assist Colorado Springs residents who want to or must bike, walk, use micro-mobility (E-scooters, E-skateboards, etc…) and take transit as transportation?
Update transit plans and look for new ways to improve the system.
Will you support improvements to transportation infrastructure that make walking, biking, and transit safe and convenient for Colorado Springs residents, families, and seniors?
Yes
Our off-street urban trail network is the backbone of our non-motorized transportation system. Today many residents are discouraged from using our urban trails due to people living on this critical resource. How will you address the impacts of homelessness, specifically on our urban trail network?
We must solve the homeless problem in our community by being tough, compassionate and innovative. My full plan is accessible https://sallieclarkmayor.com/sallie-clarks-blog-homelessness-and-community-solutions/
The 2014 Colorado Springs parks system master plan called for the construction of a world class bike park. The Pikeview quarry site in northwest Colorado Springs has been identified as a possible location for such a bike park. Once the state’s requirements for reclamation of this site are completed, will you support acceptance of the donation of the property and support the current plan to transform the property into a world class bike park?
While I am supportive of the development concept, I will need to review the plan, safety, and overall cost.
What is your vision for the future of transportation in Colorado Springs?
Smooth well-maintained roads, a transit system that is convenient and works, multi-model transportation use throughout the city, well-timed lights, less congestion.
Is there anything else you would like Bike Colorado Springs to know about your positions or candidacy?
Proven leadership at all levels of government: city, county, state and national, and experience as a 36-year small-business owner, will be a benefit for our city to navigate and advocate for our local issues and serve as the chief executive officer of our magnificent city.
2023 Colorado Springs Candidate Responses – City Council At Large
Responses listed in the order they were recieved
Jaymen Johnson – city council at large
Do you support ballot issue 1, the TOPS extension? Why or why not?
I am an advocate for our parks and open spaces so I do support it, in as much as, our General Fund falls grossly short of what is needed and TOPS remains our only viable mechanism for maintenance and acquisition. However, I think something needs to be done to bring us closer in line with how our neighboring municipalities approach their park maintenance throughout the state.
How will you support policies that assist Colorado Springs residents who want to or must bike, walk, use micro-mobility (E-scooters, E-skateboards, etc…) and take transit as transportation?
I will work closely with members of the public to determine the needs and areas of concern and work with city staff to determine viable and permanent solutions.
Will you support improvements to transportation infrastructure that make walking, biking, and transit safe and convenient for Colorado Springs residents, families, and seniors?
Absolutely
Our off-street urban trail network is the backbone of our non-motorized transportation system. Today many residents are discouraged from using our urban trails due to people living on this critical resource. How will you address the impacts of homelessness, specifically on our urban trail network?
I want to set up more ancillary services with set authorities and specific purview along with greater mental health and shelter services to address our homeless crisis and these type of encampments from continuing to blight our trails.
The 2014 Colorado Springs parks system master plan called for the construction of a world class bike park. The Pikeview quarry site in northwest Colorado Springs has been identified as a possible location for such a bike park. Once the state’s requirements for reclamation of this site are completed, will you support acceptance of the donation of the property and support the current plan to transform the property into a world class bike park?
Absolutely
What is your vision for the future of transportation in Colorado Springs?
I’d like to see reduced commuter congestion by providing a more viable public transit and multimodal options. I want to facilitate the transition of our citizens towards cleaner emissions with more EV stations across the city.
Is there anything else you would like Bike Colorado Springs to know about your positions or candidacy?
There is but I fear it cannot be summarized. I would encourage your members to visit my website for greater insight into my positions. www.JaymenJohnson4CityCouncil.com
Glenn Carlson – city council at large
Do you support ballot issue 1, the TOPS extension? Why or why not?
Yes, 100%. I’ve fought for our parks, trails, and open spaces for a long time.
How will you support policies that assist Colorado Springs residents who want to or must bike, walk, use micro-mobility (E-scooters, E-skateboards, etc…) and take transit as transportation?
Alternative transportation is critical for many of our residents and visitors alike. I believe many of these areas will become further reliant on alternative transportation as they form their identity, such as downtown, for example.
Will you support improvements to transportation infrastructure that make walking, biking, and transit safe and convenient for Colorado Springs residents, families, and seniors?
Yes, this is one of the main responsibilities of city council and I intend to push for these methods for the various types of users.
Our off-street urban trail network is the backbone of our non-motorized transportation system. Today many residents are discouraged from using our urban trails due to people living on this critical resource. How will you address the impacts of homelessness, specifically on our urban trail network?
Unfortunately, this is all too true. We have had recent success with our many public/private partnerships in the homelessness issue. We must double down on these efforts while also investing in resources to clean up and mitigate homeless impact on our trail networks.
The 2014 Colorado Springs parks system master plan called for the construction of a world class bike park. The Pikeview quarry site in northwest Colorado Springs has been identified as a possible location for such a bike park. Once the state’s requirements for reclamation of this site are completed, will you support acceptance of the donation of the property and support the current plan to transform the property into a world class bike park?
This is a real gem of a site and with reclamation could be a world class facility and a destination for bikers from across the world. I am excited about the possibility here and intend to help wherever I can. We can be creative to make this happen!
What is your vision for the future of transportation in Colorado Springs?
Transportation will become more and more important as we grow as a city. As we achieve certain density thresholds, alternative transportation methods will become necessary. IT’s part of what I call the “evolution of a city”.
Is there anything else you would like Bike Colorado Springs to know about your positions or candidacy?
I was the most recent past President of the Trails and Open Space Coalition and worked with your groups a great deal. I am looking forward to continuing that great work, but need your help in getting to council first!
David Leinweber – city council at large
Do you support ballot issue 1, the TOPS extension? Why or why not?The Parks’ funding system is broken. In 2008, the Parks’ budget was cut over 80%. Although we have just recently restored that same dollar amount, it does not address the 30% increase in cost of infrastructure and maintenance. A recent study (Jacobs) put our Parks’ deferred infrastructure and maintenance at $270 million dollars. Both sales tax and LART fees are methods that can be used to share this expense with tourists that come to enjoy our parks. In addition, maintaining TOPS is vital to our future and has given us much value during its existence. TOPS needs to be extended. I am also in favor of increasing the LART funding to offset the cost of maintaining our TOURISM parks, such as Garden of the Gods, which our community pays for and is currently free to all that visit.
How will you support policies that assist Colorado Springs residents who want to or must bike, walk, use micro-mobility (E-scooters, E-skateboards, etc…) and take transit as transportation?
I will work toward building collaborative efforts with small businesses, local outdoor enthusiasts, and City Council to ensure that trails, pathways, and resources like micro-mobile modes of transportation are not after-thoughts or add-ons.
Will you support improvements to transportation infrastructure that make walking, biking, and transit safe and convenient for Colorado Springs residents, families, and seniors?
I’ve been an advocate and supporter of “bike to work” day for several years. Our infrastructure needs to be more than painting white lines for narrow bike lanes. I will work toward improving existing trails and making them safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Our off-street urban trail network is the backbone of our non-motorized transportation system. Today many residents are discouraged from using our urban trails due to people living on this critical resource. How will you address the impacts of homelessness, specifically on our urban trail network?
By working with community resources throughout our city, I will build collaborative efforts to meet the needs of our homeless population which includes access to shelter away from our public areas and urban trails.
The 2014 Colorado Springs parks system master plan called for the construction of a world class bike park. The Pikeview quarry site in northwest Colorado Springs has been identified as a possible location for such a bike park. Once the state’s requirements for reclamation of this site are completed, will you support acceptance of the donation of the property and support the current plan to transform the property into a world class bike park?
The transformation of the quarry site to a world-class bike park would be tremendous asset to Colorado Springs. We need to complete the feasibility studies and assess risk factors. Assuming a positive outcome from those studies, I would be supportive of this project.
What is your vision for the future of transportation in Colorado Springs?
I believe we need to take a neighborhood by neighborhood approach to improving transportation options by understanding the needs of our neighbors and aligning that with the options that fit their life styles and socioeconomic realities
2023 Colorado Springs Candidate Responses – District 3
Michelle Talarico – city council district 3
Do you support ballot issue 1, the TOPS extension? Why or why not?
Yes absolutely. I would also support an increase which isn’t on the ballot but should be!
How will you support policies that assist Colorado Springs residents who want to or must bike, walk, use micro-mobility (E-scooters, E-skateboards, etc…) and take transit as transportation?
By always being a champion for our residents specifically in District 3. We must increase our parks budget. It needs to be (in my opinion) $8 million -10 million. This will help with critical infrastructure for connectivity of trails. I will learn and listen!
Will you support improvements to transportation infrastructure that make walking, biking, and transit safe and convenient for Colorado Springs residents, families, and seniors?
Yes 100%
Our off-street urban trail network is the backbone of our non-motorized transportation system. Today many residents are discouraged from using our urban trails due to people living on this critical resource. How will you address the impacts of homelessness, specifically on our urban trail network?
We must continue to collaborate with the many organizations working on these issues. It is imperative that we look at all angles. I sympathize with people who don’t feel safe on trails. We have to do better, for those homeless and for our residents who wish to recreate!
The 2014 Colorado Springs parks system master plan called for the construction of a world class bike park. The Pikeview quarry site in northwest Colorado Springs has been identified as a possible location for such a bike park. Once the state’s requirements for reclamation of this site are completed, will you support acceptance of the donation of the property and support the current plan to transform the property into a world class bike park?
I cannot fully answer this with confidence. I will look into all that the master plan called for, specifically The PIkeview Quarry and get back to you. I look forward to digging in to this question.
What is your vision for the future of transportation in Colorado Springs?
That we coexist more politely and understand that we all deserve good trails, safe trails, that we educate our residents on rules of the road. Also I think we could be better at handing out maps more often.
Is there anything else you would like Bike Colorado Springs to know about your positions or candidacy?
I am very appreciative of the opportunity to help Bike Colorado Springs. Thank you for your time!
Scott Hiller – city council district 3
Do you support ballot issue 1, the TOPS extension?
Yes, I do support the TOPS extension. Acquiring more open space should continue to be a priority for the city into the future. Of course, the council, mayor and parks department should ensure that the money is always used as intended (75% for acquiring land).
How will you support policies that assist Colorado Springs residents who want to or must bike, walk, use micro-mobility (E-scooters, E-skateboards, etc…) and take transit as transportation?
Here in District 3, especially in the older neighborhoods, we have many choices of transportation. For example, in my neighborhood I can walk, bike, bus, or drive to parks, shops, restaurants, markets, etc. I can do this safely and nearly effortlessly in part because of the effective planning of
previous generations. From its inception, the westside was designed to be walkable and accessible for everyone who resides there. Our alley system, grid layout, and low density make it easy to get around and enjoy so many aspects of life within a short walk. We must preserve our preexisting network of interconnected alleys, trails and roads. We must also resist calls to cede city rights-of-way to developers in search of densification. We should also continue to acquire open spaces and interconnecting corridors that can add to our already great system.
Will you support improvements to transportation infrastructure that make walking, biking, and transit safe and convenient for Colorado Springs residents, families, and seniors?
Absolutely. However, any specific issue would have to be reviewed in detail.
Our off-street urban trail network is the backbone of our non-motorized transportation system. Today many residents are discouraged from using our urban trails due to people living on this critical resource. How will you address the impacts of homelessness, specifically on our urban trail network?
The safety, usability and reliability of our interconnecting trails must be maintained and improved. The use of these trails by the homeless for non-transportation purposes poses a public safety and health risk. We can discourage living on the trails with stronger prohibitions on camping in the city limits. Campfires and using our waterways as a toilet also cannot be tolerated. At the same time, we need to increase the number of officers on the HOT team and prohibit storing personal items in public spaces. We can do all this while maintaining robust and effective services for our homeless citizens.
The 2014 Colorado Springs parks system master plan calls for the construction of a world class bike park. The Pikeview quarry site in northwest Colorado Springs has been identified as a possible location for such a bike park. Once the state’s requirements for reclamation of this site are completed, will you support acceptance of the donation of the property and support the current plan to transform the property into a world class bike park?
I believe that one of our greatest strengths here in Colorado Springs is our network of outdoor spaces. The creation of a world class bike park seems like a natural fit and welcome addition to our city. In terms of the Pikeview Quarry specifically, however, I have some major concerns about the cost and feasibility of the project. The mountain scar is very large and the type of rock that makes up the quarry is steep, sharp and unforgiving. That quarry has been in operation for more than
100 years, and the amount of dirt required to safely remediate that quarry is absolutely massive. It is doubtful that any piled dirt suitable for a bike park would stay in place. I would like to know more and see the studies on the costs of this specific project. Perhaps there is a more appropriate space available that we can acquire, or even an existing open space that may be better used for this purpose. Is it possible that the current owner of the property is willing to donate because they
cannot afford the extreme costs to reclaim the site for any other use? As a professional geologist who specializes in geohazards, I wonder these things. I also wonder if once an economic analysis is done on what it would take to transform the Pikeview Quarry into a bike park, we may find that another site with natural slopes is just as viable for much
less cost. For instance, if we looked at the Blodgett Peak Open Space (167 acres nearby) instead, could we have something better, safer and more cost effective? Could we take the savings accrued by changing venues and create 2 bike parks? We need much more discussion and study of this issue, but it’s a discussion I will support.
What is your vision for the future of transportation in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs was designed by General Palmer to be walkable. Many of our trails facilitate efficient off-street transportation between areas of the city. Preserving green space and connecting those green spaces with bike/walking trails will keep the density of people/cars/bikes that are in one place at one time at comfortable and safe levels. Also, like it or not, the most prevalent form of transportation will be personal cars for the foreseeable future. Therefore, we must keep the city’s streets optimized for efficient car transportation.
Visit the City’s website more info on all candidates
Names link to Official Campaign websites if provided to the city
Mayoral Candidates
Sallie Clark
Kallan Reece Rodebaugh
John Tig Tiegen
Yemi Mobolade
Christopher Mitchell
Lawrence Joseph Martinez
Longinos Gonzalez Jr.
Tom Strand
Andrew Dalby
Jim Miller
Darryl Glenn
Wayne Williams
At Large Candidates
Jaymen Johnson
David Leinweber
Lynette Crow-Iverson
Katherine “Kat” Gayle
Brian Risley
Roland Rainey, Jr.
Glenn Carlson
Jay Inman
Chineta Davis
Gordon Klingenschmitt
Jane Northrup Glenn
District 3 Candidates
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